Two years ago today, the Nationals made a surprise acquisition that created a busier Christmas Eve than we were expecting in the D.C. area. General manager Mike Rizzo was able to send two minor league pitchers to the Pirates for All-Star first baseman Josh Bell. While the timing was surprising, the acquisition itself was not. The Nationals had made

My mailbag is the gift that keeps on giving. And that’s never truer than when I find some questions stuck to the bottom and share them with you. I won’t share what caused them to stick. Not everything is your business. I’m bringing you the old schtick before the New Year. You ask, I answer, you keep asking as if you lost a bet, I keep answering as

The Nationals have claimed infielder Jeter Downs on outright waivers from the Boston Red Sox. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Nationals have designated Reed Garrett for assignment. The 40-man roster stands at 40.

A few thoughts today on some Orioles moves from over the last week or so. The addition of Mychal Givens: I had written early in the offseason that I thought the Orioles should look to add to the bullpen. This came at a time when most of the focus was on a top starter and a big bat. Eventually, it would be great to see the Orioles have a starting ro

The Nationals’ latest waiver claim was noteworthy in that it was a well known name that was surprisingly available. Jeter Downs, whom the Nats claimed on outright waivers from the Red Sox yesterday, is known for being a former top shortstop prospect and being included in two major trades since the Reds made him the No. 32 overall pick in the 2017 d

I reached inside my holiday mailbag last night and found a lump of coal. At least, I hope it was coal. Or I need an exterminator, pronto. This is lovely weather for a sleigh ride together or to just chill out at home and field more questions in the latest sequel to the beloved original mailbag from 2008.   The editing here remains sparse. Be clear

Just three days before Christmas, general manager Mike Rizzo remains busy checking things off his list. The Nationals announced this afternoon they have claimed infielder Jeter Downs on outright waivers from the Red Sox. Downs was designated for assignment last week when the Red Sox signed outfielder Masataka Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million con

Can a pitcher who has thrown for three of the last four seasons for the Aberdeen IronBirds - both when they were in the short-season New York Penn League and now in the full-season South Atlantic League - be considered a prospect? OK, probably not, but he can be considered a player with a good arm that the Orioles like who clearly flies under the r

The Nationals’ offseason to date has been just as expected: quiet. There hasn’t been a lot of activity on their front with the major league roster. More additions are on the way as we get closer to the start of spring training in February, likely in the form of minor league deals with invitations to major league camp. Just like last week’s minor le

Armchair general managers must always check their cell reception after walking into a mall to do some holiday shopping. Can’t miss an important call or text. I literally took a few steps inside the Columbia Mall on Monday, scrolled Twitter and found breaking news about Mychal Givens reaching agreement with the Orioles. Rookie mistake to leave the l